This particular cobra is a very limited edition “hybrid “ variation of the dominating FIA version of the 1964 world championship Cobra.
Combining the sleek and sexy appearance of the original 289 FIA racing car but, in this case, sitting on the stronger and much better handling 427 chassis.
To go even one step better, this particular car has a unique stainless steel chassis rather than mild steel to ensure a durable rust-free life. Since the 427 frames were built to handle an engine far heavier and more powerful than the small block, it handles likes a dream with a lightweight stroked 351W now 427 small blocks.
The body is all aluminum (aircraft aluminum alloy) and was hand fabricated in an aircraft factory by craftsmen who learn their trade over generations, building fighter jet aircraft for the former Soviet Union. David Kirkham produces the highest quality aluminum reproduction cars in existence today. They had, until recently, been supplying Shelby America with the aluminum body cars for their continuation CSX4000 (427) and CSX7000 (FIA) series which began production in 1996. This car is identical in every way to those used by Shelby American. After its production in Poland, this car was brought to Kirkham Motorsports in Provo, Utah, where additional assembly occurred at Kirkham Motorsports and no expense was spared in completing and re-envisioning this FIA Cobra.
In addition to the all-aluminum body, the floor panel, dash panel, rear bulkhead panel, firewall panel, engine compartment panel, and trunk panels are all aluminum. In addition, the hood scoop is integrally welded into the hood skin.
This Cobra has been recently painted a stunning show quality original Shelby color (Viking Blue) by Micheal Grubbs Motorsports.
In addition to that his crew has gone over every inch of the car installing a traditional Kirky FIA racing seat, spun aluminum racing mirrors, adding a newly rebuilt Quick Fuel Carb to match the needs of the 500+ HP of the 427SB crate motor matched to its 5-speed tranny.
Directing all that the power to the ground is a Kirkham aluminum “Salisbury” differential with 3.73:1 gears.
There is Kirkham’s independent suspension set up to both the front and rear, with Penske double-adjustable shocks and Hyperco springs on all four corners. The front uprights and upper control arms are billet 6062 aluminum. The rear uprights are forged 7075 aircraft aluminum. These modifications while also a work of automotive art result in a 20-pound reduction in upspring weight at each wheel; in fact, the total weight of the car is approx 2300lbs.
In addition to the stainless steel chassis, stainless steel has been used elsewhere in the vehicle. The brake hard lines are stainless steel and the brake flex lines are braided stainless steel. The main steering shaft is stainless steel as are the steering U-joints. The gas tank is also stainless steel as well as the rivets holding the body to the chassis.
The cockpit sports a period-correct FIA coward facing roll bar. A new quick-release 5 point harness secures the safety of the driver, while the passenger has a new 4 point quick-release harness. A chrome & black fire extinguisher is mounted in front of this seat
Wildwood aluminum racing 4-piston calipers with sealed bearings (from Porsche racing) are combined with 12.19x 1.25 directional vented brake rotors, which enable the car to stop on a dime.
Laid out across the leather dash steer style are a complete set of gauges.
The interior is fully carpeted with leather seats ( drivers on adj tracks), carpeted inner door panels, tinted visors, wind wings, Raydot mirrors, 15” leather-wrapped 3 spoke, steering wheel, fire extinguisher, hidden acc plug, and battery cut off switch.
The exterior has racing style quick jacks, wheel foam, Trigo pin drive knockoffs with New AVON race-ready radials filling the wheel wells.
Completing the car are custom fabricated headers and black side exits exhaust that are also FIA period correct. This unique limited edition automobile is an extremely versatile model that go to & win car shows, tears up the rack or be a mild-mannered street cruiser. The car has 950 miles ( shows 395 due to Speedo rebuild). It will bring sheer joy to the new owner, turn heads wherever it goes and can accommodate any use the driver has in mind.
$200k min to replace and a 1-year wait at Kirkham Only 130k as she sits today … this will go up to $140k after July 5th when she goes in for PPF/Decals/Ceramic Coating.